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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 2 of 2. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by avenarius on February 6, 2015, at 13:06:53
A few recent posts have offered arguments for trying MAOIs. But what about the side effects?
I agree that they're worth trying. Selegiline "worked" for me for a while and it felt better than most other drugs I'd been on (basically everything) over the course of 20 years.
However, after about 2 months the insomnia became unbearable. I could not sleep AT ALL no matter what sleeping pills I tried. My affect completely flattened out as well, perhaps related to the lack of sleep but I can't be sure.
If you've taken an MAOI long term and managed to sleep, keep a job, and have a personality I'd love to hear your story.
(My doc is suggesting Emsam now but I'm not going to bother. Gotta take at least 15 mg to inhibit both MAOI A & B. Any less is useless as an antidepressant.)
Posted by baseball55 on February 6, 2015, at 21:36:26
In reply to MAOI side effects, posted by avenarius on February 6, 2015, at 13:06:53
> If you've taken an MAOI long term and managed to sleep, keep a job, and have a personality I'd love to hear your story.
>
> (My doc is suggesting Emma now but I'm not going to bother. Gotta take at least 15 mg to inhibit both MAOI A & B. Any less is useless as an antidepressant.)Well, I've written here a lot before about this, but....Emsam is not worth the time and money. Even if you start on 6mg, you will soon need to take a higher dose that is is no longer selective for MAO-A. In which case, you may as well just take a generic like parnate or nardil that have extensive success records.
I kept a job and I was on the verge, before starting parnate, of not being able to function professionally, or in any other way for that matter, I could barely get out of bed to pee. I never showered or ate. Parnate gave me a personality. That's how these drugs should work when they are successful.
Insomnia is a common and serious side effect. But get your doc to treat it: with benzos or z-drugs. If those don't work, high doses of haldol, perphenizine might- but these are last resorts. You don't want to be taking APs on an ongoing basis. But benzos or z-drugs should work. Just find the right dose and find a p-doc who will take the need to address the insomnia seriously.
This is the end of the thread.
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